Exploring London's architectural landscape, a home reminiscent of California's design aesthetic has been hailed a triumph. Step inside the award-winning dwelling.
In the heart of London, a single-storey detached home has undergone a remarkable transformation, winning the prestigious Home of the Year accolade at this year's Homebuilding & Renovating Awards. The renovated abode, now a contemporary masterpiece, was described by the judges as an "architectural triumph" and the "standout home" of the awards.
Ruth Somerfield, the home's proud owner, purchased the property just after lockdown to accommodate herself, her two teenagers, and the dogs. The original house, with its authentic 1970s charm, was no longer fit for purpose, with poor ventilation, insulation, and heating.
Determined to create a light, airy home that was warm and easy to live in, Ruth enlisted the help of Modernarc, a team of builders specialising in bespoke, smaller projects. With a strict budget in mind, she decided to extend and completely renovate the house to create a sleek, energy-efficient home fit for the 21st century.
The interior design features polished concrete floors, light tiles, terrazzo flooring, and sustainable oak flooring. The original single-glazed floor-to-ceiling windows were replaced with high-performance glazing, eliminating condensation and making the house warmer.
To create a new, dynamic relationship with the gardens, the team decided to raise the roof height, a decision that has resulted in a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor living spaces. The house now boasts an energy-efficient, green extension, making it environmentally friendly.
The project, located in a busy corner of London surrounded by large period townhouses, is a testament to sensitive integration of modern design within a traditional urban context. The design inspiration, drawn from the Eames House and the Case Studies House movement, is evident in the clean lines, functional layouts, extensive use of glass, open-plan living spaces, and embrace of industrial-modern materials such as steel and concrete.
Ruth found the architect Quinn, who had designed several houses in LA, through the Modern House Directory. The project, which took place in a conservation area, had to go through the Southwark Council for approval.
As the 2025 Homebuilding & Renovating Awards approach, with entries opening in spring, it is clear that Ruth Somerfield's renovation story will continue to inspire those seeking to balance modern architectural ideals with existing urban contexts, creating light-filled, versatile homes that respect heritage while adding contemporary style.
For those interested in learning more about Ruth Somerfield’s renovation story, project scope, or awards, we recommend consulting architectural design publications, regional architecture awards listings for London, or contacting local architectural associations. These sources tend to cover notable residential renovations influenced by historical modernist movements.
- Ruth Somerfield, the proud owner, embarked on a project to transform her outdated home, seeking a light, airy, and energy-efficient dwelling.
- Modernarc, a team specializing in smaller projects, was enlisted to help with the renovation and extension, guided by a strict budget.
- The interior design showcases polished concrete, light tiles, terrazzo, and sustainable oak flooring, embodying a modern aesthetic.
- The original single-glazed windows were replaced with high-performance glazing to increase warmth and eliminate condensation.
- To foster a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor living spaces, the team opted to raise the roof height, leading to an energy-efficient extension.
- The project, situated in a busy London area, demonstrates the successful integration of modern design within a traditional urban context.
- The Eames House and the Case Studies House movement served as design inspirations, manifesting in clean lines, functional layouts, extensive glass usage, open-plan living spaces, and the use of industrial-modern materials such as steel and concrete.
- To ensure compatibility with the conservation area, the project required approval from the Southwark Council.
- With the 2025 Homebuilding & Renovating Awards approaching, Ruth Somerfield's renovation story is expected to continue inspiring those aiming to blend modern architectural ideals with existing urban settings.
- To learn more about this renovation, one can consult architectural design publications, regional architecture awards listings for London, or contact local architectural associations.
- Such sources often cover notable residential renovations that draw inspiration from historical modernist movements.
- This home, now a contemporary masterpiece, offers a versatile living space that respects heritage while showcasing contemporary style, setting an example for home improvements and promoting energy efficiency in home-and-garden and home-improvement circles.
